Communication apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium

The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and a control method therefor.

A known communication apparatus includes a function for obtaining an image file stored by an image capture apparatus and transferring the image file to a server.

As described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-169224, for example, in a case where the image capture apparatus includes a plurality of slots for installing detachable storage medium, the communication apparatus can select the storage medium or the slot to read out the image file.

However, known communication apparatuses are configured to always first select a specific slot. Thus, in a case where an image file is wished to be obtained from a slot that is not initially selected, the user must re-select this slot.

Also, in a case where the user does not know or has forgotten about a slot where image files of a format wished to be obtained are stored, the user has to select each one of the slots and check the displayed list of image files. Furthermore, in a case where the user uses a plurality of image capture apparatuses, for each image capture apparatus the user connects to, the user has to select the slot where the image files of the format wished to be obtained are stored.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the aforementioned problems and realizes an enhancement to user-friendliness when obtaining an image file from an image capture apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus comprising: at least one processor or circuit and a memory storing instructions to cause the at least one processor or circuit to perform operations of the following units: a first obtaining unit configured to obtain information of a plurality of image data files from a first external apparatus storing the plurality of image data files using at least one of a plurality of storage mediums; a display control unit configured to display at least a portion of the information of the plurality of image data files on a display device; a selecting unit configured to select at least one image data file from the information of the plurality of image data files displayed on the display device; a second obtaining unit configured to obtain an image data file selected by the selecting unit from the first external apparatus; and a transferring unit configured to transfer the obtained image data file to a second external apparatus different from the first external apparatus, wherein the display control unit determines which storage medium, from among the plurality of storage mediums, to preferentially display, on the display device, information of an image data file stored thereon on a basis of at least one of type information and model information of the first external apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a communication apparatus comprising: obtaining information of a plurality of image data files from a first external apparatus storing the plurality of image data files using at least one of a plurality of storage mediums; performing display control to display at least a portion of the information of the plurality of image data files on a display device; selecting at least one image data file from the information of the plurality of image data files displayed on the display device; obtaining an image data file selected by the selecting from the first external apparatus; and transferring the obtained image data file to a second external apparatus different from the first external apparatus, wherein the display control determines which storage medium, from among the plurality of storage mediums, to preferentially display, on the display device, information of an image data file stored thereon on a basis of at least one of type information and model information of the first external apparatus.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but limitation is not made to an invention that requires all such features, and multiple such features may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar configurations, and redundant description thereof is omitted.

Note that an embodiment of the present invention in which a smartphone is used as an example of a communication apparatus will be described below. However, the present invention can be implemented using any electronic device that can communicate with two or more external devices including an image capture apparatus, with examples including a computer device (personal computer, tablet, media player, PDA, and the like), a game console, a robot, and the like. These are examples, and the present invention can be implemented using other electronic devices.

Image Transfer System

1 FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the configuration of an image transfer systemincluding a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 100 200 300 100 200 300 The image transfer systemincludes an image capture apparatus, a communication apparatus, and an information processing apparatus. The image capture apparatus(first external apparatus) is represented by a digital camera or a digital video camera. In the present embodiment, the communication apparatusis a smartphone or a tablet. The information processing apparatus(second external apparatus) is a server apparatus or cloud storage that stores image files.

100 300 200 100 200 200 300 The image capture apparatusand the information processing apparatuseach communicate with the communication apparatus. The image capture apparatusand the communication apparatuscan communicate via a wired connection using a cable or via a wireless connection, for example. Also, the communication apparatusand the information processing apparatuscan communicate via a connection using 4G, 5G, or a similar mobile communication network, the Internet, or the like.

100 200 200 300 100 200 200 300 Note that the communication protocol for communications between the image capture apparatusand the communication apparatusand the communication protocol for communications between the communication apparatusand the information processing apparatusare not particularly limited. Each may use a known communication protocol. For example, in the case of transferring an image file from the image capture apparatusto the communication apparatus, Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) or PTP over TCP/IP networks (PTP-IP) may be used. Also, in the case of transferring an image file from the communication apparatusto the information processing apparatus, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) may be used.

1 FIG. 100 300 100 200 300 100 300 200 Note that in the example illustrated in, the image capture apparatusand the information processing apparatusare on different communication networks. However, for example, the image capture apparatus, the communication apparatus, and the information processing apparatusmay be all on the same network provided by the same access point. However, in this case, an image file is transferred from the image capture apparatusto the information processing apparatusvia the communication apparatus.

100 Configuration of Image Capture Apparatus

2 FIG.A 100 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image capture apparatus.

101 101 100 103 104 100 2 FIG.A A control unitincludes one or more microprocessors (MPU), for example. The control unitcontrols the operation of each block illustrated inand executes the functions of the image capture apparatusby loading a program stored in a non-volatile memoryonto a working memoryand executing the program using the MPU. Note that at least a portion of the control for implementing the functions of the image capture apparatusmay be implement using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC, FPGA, or the like.

102 102 An imaging unitincludes a lens unit with a built-in focusing optical system including a movable lens such as a focus lens and a diaphragm and an image sensor. The lens unit further includes a driving mechanism of the movable lens and the diaphragm. The image sensor includes a plurality of pixels in a two-dimensional array. Each pixel is provided with a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode, for example. The image sensor converts the optical image formed by the lens unit via the plurality of pixels into a pixel signal group (analog image signal). A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD), or the like is used as the image sensor, for example. The imaging unitexecutes A/D conversion, noise reduction processing, and the like on the analog image signal generated by the image sensor and outputs this as image data.

101 102 106 110 111 101 The control unitapplies a predetermined image processing to the image data output by the imaging unitand generates image data for display and image data for storing. The image data for display is used in display by the display unit, for example. Also, the image data for storing is stored in at least one of a storage mediumand a storage medium. The control unitalso generates an evaluation value from the image data using automatic focus detection (AF) and automatic exposure control (AE) and can perform AF and AE on the basis of an evaluation value.

103 101 100 The non-volatile memoryis electrically rewritable and stores programs executed by the control unit, settings of the image capture apparatus, GUI data, metatemplate information, and the like.

104 106 The working memoryis used as a buffer memory for temporarily holding image data, a system memory for executing programs, a video memory of the display unit, and the like.

105 100 105 100 100 105 112 106 An operation unitis a generic term for an input device for receiving instructions for the image capture apparatus. The operation unitincludes a switch, a button, a key, a dial, a joy stick, a touch panel, and the like. The input device has a name in accordance with its allocated function. Examples include a power button for the user to issue an ON/OFF instruction for the power of the image capture apparatus, a release switch to issue a start/stop image capture instruction, and a playback button to issue a moving image data playback instruction, and the like. Note that depending on the operation state of the image capture apparatus, the same input device may be allocated with different functions. The operation unitalso includes a connect button for starting communication with an external device via a communication unitdescribed below and a touch panel of the display unitdescribed below.

106 100 106 100 The display unitdisplays a live view image, captured image data, a menu screen, information of the image capture apparatus, and the like. Note that the display unitmay be a display apparatus external to the image capture apparatus.

107 107 101 110 111 An audio input unitis a microphone, for example, that is used to obtain the environment sound when capturing moving images for storing. The audio obtained via electrical signal conversion by the audio input unitis converted into a predetermined format of audio by the control unitand stored in the storage mediumand/or the storage mediumas an audio file.

110 111 110 111 100 110 111 The storage mediumand the storage mediumare used as a storage destination for image data and audio data obtained in image capture. At least one of the storage mediumand the storage mediummay be detachable from the image capture apparatus. Typically, the storage mediumand the storage mediumare memory cards.

100 100 110 111 100 In the case of using a storage medium that is detachable from the image capture apparatus, the image capture apparatusis provided with a mechanism for accessing the installed detachable storage medium. In a case where the storage medium is a memory card, the mechanism is referred to as a memory slot. In the present embodiment, the storage mediumand the storage mediumare memory cards, and the image capture apparatusincludes two memory slots.

112 112 112 100 200 112 112 100 200 The communication unitis a communication interface with an external apparatus. The communication unitincludes an antenna and a communication module. The communication unitmay include a different communication interface for each compliant communication standard. The image capture apparatuscan communicate with external apparatuses such as the communication apparatusvia an established wired and/or wireless connection using the communication unit. For example, moving image data and audio data obtained via image capture can be transmitted to an external apparatus via the communication unit. In the present embodiment, the image capture apparatusand the communication apparatuscommunicated via a wireless connection.

112 112 101 112 Note that in the present embodiment, the communication unitincludes a wireless LAN interface compliant with one or more IEEE 802.11 sequence. Also, the communication unitincludes a universal serial bus (USB) interface compliant with one USB standard. The control unitimplements communication with an external apparatus connected to the communication interface by controlling the communication interface of the communication unit.

112 112 101 112 100 100 Note that the wireless LAN interface of the communication unitincludes an access point mode (AP mode) that operates as an access point in infrastructure mode and a client mode (CL mode) that operates as a client. The operation mode of the communication unitis controlled by the control unit. When the communication unitoperates in CL mode, the image capture apparatusoperates as a client in infrastructure mode. When the image capture apparatusoperates as a client, by connecting to a surrounding access point, it can join the network formed by the access points.

112 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Also, when the communication unitoperates in AP mode, the image capture apparatusoperates as a simple access point (simple AP). A simple AP has limited functions compared to a typical AP. Specifically, it does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a client to an external network. When the image capture apparatusoperates as a simple AP, the image capture apparatusforms a network. The apparatuses in the surroundings of the image capture apparatuscan recognize the image capture apparatusas an access point and join the network formed by the image capture apparatus. Note that since the image capture apparatusis a simple AP, the data received from a client cannot be transferred to an external network such as the Internet.

2 2 FIGS.B andC 2 FIG.B 2 FIG.C 100 105 105 105 105 105 106 106 a b c d are perspective views illustrating an example of the external appearance of the image capture apparatus.illustrates an example of the external appearance from the front side (subject side), andillustrates an example of the external appearance from the back side (shooter side). The operation unitincludes input devices including a release switch, a playback button, a directional key, and a touch panel. When in image capture standby and when capturing moving images for storing, the display unitcan function as a viewfinder by displaying live view images on the display unit.

110 111 File Configuration of Storage Mediumand Storage Medium

110 111 3 FIG. Next, the file configuration of the storage mediumwill be described using. The storage mediumalso has the same file configuration.

110 Internally, the storage mediumis formatted in a file system such as an extended file allocation table (exFAT) that can be referenced from various types of operating systems (OS).

101 102 101 103 The control unitstores the moving image data generated by the imaging unitin a directory (here, [100_0420] (the last four characters indicating the date of recording)) per date provided in a [DCIM] directory directly below the root directory in a MP4 file format. Also, the control unitstores the metadata information of the moving image data based on the metatemplate information read out from the non-volatile memoryin an extensible markup language (XML) file format. The metadata information is information such as the category of the moving image data, title, comments, and the like stored in association with a tag in the XML file. The metadata information is used in managing the moving image data and the like.

101 107 The control unitstores the audio data generated by the audio input unitin parallel with the moving image capture in an [AUDIO] directory provided in a [PRIVATE] directory directly below the root directory in a WAV file format.

102 107 101 101 110 Also, when the moving image data and the audio data are generated by the imaging unitand the audio input unit, the control unitgenerates a catalog file for file management in a [CANOMSC] directory provided in the [DCIM] directory. In a case where a catalog file already exists, the control unitupdates the existing catalog file. The catalog file stores information (date and time of recording and the like) of the file stored in the storage medium.

Note that here, only the data stored when moving images are captured is described, but still image files can also be stored in the same directories as the moving image data. Also, the file formats of the moving image data and the audio data described here are simply examples, and the data may be stored using other file formats.

200 Hardware Configuration of Communication Apparatus

4 FIG. 200 200 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the communication apparatus. Note that here, the communication apparatusis a mobile computing device terminal (for example, a smartphone, tablet, or the like) that can connect to a cellular network.

201 201 200 203 204 200 4 FIG. A control unitincludes one or more microprocessors (MPU), for example. The control unitcontrols the operation of each block illustrated inand executes the functions of the communication apparatusby loading a program stored in a non-volatile memoryonto a working memoryand executing the program using the MPU. Note that at least a portion of the control for implementing the functions of the communication apparatusmay be implement using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC, FPGA, or the like.

202 202 An imaging unitincludes a lens unit with a built-in focusing optical system including a movable lens such as a focus lens and an image sensor. The lens unit further includes a driving mechanism of the movable lens. The image sensor includes a plurality of pixels in a two-dimensional array. Each pixel is provided with a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode, for example. The image sensor converts the optical image formed by the lens unit via the plurality of pixels into a pixel signal group (analog image signal). The image sensor uses a CMOS image sensor, a CCD, or the like, for example. The imaging unitexecutes A/D conversion, noise reduction processing, and the like on the analog image signal generated by the image sensor and outputs this as image data.

201 202 206 207 201 The control unitapplies a predetermined image processing to the image data output by the imaging unitand generates image data for display and image data for storing. The image data for display is used in display by a display unit, for example. Also, the image data for storing is stored in a storage medium. The control unitalso generates an evaluation value from the image data using automatic focus detection (AF) and automatic exposure control (AE) and can perform AF and AE on the basis of an evaluation value.

203 201 200 The non-volatile memoryis electrically rewritable and stores programs executed by the control unit, settings of the communication apparatus, GUI data, metatemplate information, and the like. The program includes basic software (OS) and application programs that cooperate with the OS.

203 Also, in the present embodiment, the following application programs are stored in the non-volatile memory.

100 300 A transfer application program (transfer app) that provides a data transfer function using communication between the image capture apparatusand the information processing apparatus.

100 A file management application (file management app) that manages the data files received from the image capture apparatus.

An image management application program (image management app).

204 206 The working memoryis used as a buffer memory for temporarily holding image data, a system memory for executing programs, a video memory of the display unit, and the like.

205 200 205 206 200 214 205 An operation unitis a generic term for an input device for receiving instructions for the communication apparatus. The operation unitincludes a switch, a button, a touch panel of the display unit, and the like. Note that a function for providing an instruction to the communication apparatusvia audio input using a microphoneis also included as one input device of the operation unit.

206 200 206 200 The display unitdisplays a live view image, captured image data, a menu screen, information of the communication apparatus, and the like. Note that the display unitmay be a display apparatus external to the communication apparatus.

207 207 200 207 The storage mediumis used as a storage destination for image data and audio data obtained in image capture. The storage mediummay be detachable from the communication apparatus. Typically, the storage mediumis a memory card.

211 211 200 100 300 211 200 100 300 A communication unitis a communication interface with an external apparatus. The communication unitmay include a different communication interface for each compliant communication standard. The communication apparatuscan communicate with external apparatuses such as the image capture apparatusand the information processing apparatusvia an established wired and/or wireless connection using the communication unit. In the present embodiment, the communication apparatuscommunicates with the image capture apparatusand the information processing apparatusvia a wireless connection.

211 211 211 201 211 Note that in the present embodiment, the communication unitincludes a wireless LAN interface compliant with one or more IEEE 802.11 sequence. Also, the communication unitincludes a universal serial bus (USB) interface compliant with one USB standard. The communication unitmay include an infrared communication interface, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication interface, a Wireless USB interface, or a similar wireless communication module. The control unitimplements communication with an external apparatus connected to the communication interface by controlling the communication interface of the communication unit.

200 100 300 The communication apparatusmay communicate with the image capture apparatusand the information processing apparatusdirectly or may communicate via another device such as an access point or a relay. As the communication protocol for image data, Picture Transfer Protocol over Internet Protocol (PTP/IP) via a wireless LAN may be used, for example.

211 211 201 211 200 200 Note that the wireless LAN interface of the communication unitmay include an access point mode (AP mode) that operates as an access point in infrastructure mode and a client mode (CL mode) that operates as a client. The operation mode of the communication unitis controlled by the control unit. When the communication unitoperates in CL mode, the communication apparatusoperates as a client in infrastructure mode. When the communication apparatusoperates as a client, by connecting to a surrounding access point, it can join the network formed by the access points.

213 200 213 214 215 A public network connection unitis a communication interface used to connect to the cellular network. The communication apparatusprovides a function for calling an external device via the public network connection unit. The user can call the user of an external device using the microphoneand a speaker.

200 300 213 211 213 211 213 Note that since the cellular network provides a data communication function, the communication apparatuscan communicate data with an external device such as the information processing apparatusvia the public network connection unit. Note that the wireless communication interface of the communication unitmay use the same antenna as the public network connection unitor may use a separate antenna. Note that in a case where both the communication unitand the public network connection unitcan be used to communicate with the same external apparatus, the one with fast communication speed can be used for communication in a non-audio calling state. Note that the communication speed here may be a theoretical communication speed or a communication speed in the actual environment.

214 214 201 207 214 213 The microphoneis used to obtain environment sound when capturing moving images for storing. The audio data obtained via electrical signal conversion by the microphoneis converted into a predetermined format of audio by the control unitand stored in the storage mediumas an audio file. The microphoneis used to input audio in calls via the public network connection unit.

215 213 The speakeroutputs audio generated or reproduced by the OS or an application and is used to output the audio received via the public network connection unit.

200 Software Configuration of Communication Apparatus

200 203 5 FIG. 5 FIG. Next, an example of the software configuration of the communication apparatuswill be described using.schematically illustrates a program stored in the non-volatile memory.

203 510 506 508 501 501 100 300 501 506 508 200 The non-volatile memorystores an OS, a file management application, an image management application, and a transfer application. The transfer applicationprovides a function of obtaining a data file from the image capture apparatusand transferring it to the information processing apparatus. These applications,, andare installed in the communication apparatusby a known method.

205 200 200 200 201 510 203 204 When a power switch included in the operation unitof the communication apparatusis turned on, power is supplied from the power source to each unit of the communication apparatusand the start-up operation of the communication apparatusis started. In the start-up operation, the control unitreads out the OSfrom the non-volatile memoryto the working memoryand executes it.

200 501 506 508 501 506 508 206 201 When the communication apparatushas been started up, the applications,, andare able to be executed. For example, when the icon of the application,, ordisplayed on the display unitis tapped, the control unitexecutes the tapped application.

201 201 Hereinafter, operations implemented by the control unitexecuting an OS or an application program are described with the control unit, OS, and application as the subject of the operation.

510 200 510 511 510 The OSprovides the function of controlling each unit of the communication apparatus. Also, the OSprovides various types of services to the application. For example, in the present embodiment, the function associated with communicating with an external device is implemented via a communication serviceprovided by the OS.

511 511 The communication servicecontrols the on/off of the communication function, connection to external apparatuses, and data communication with connected external apparatuses. The communication servicealso controls providing applications with data provided via the communication function and exchanging data with external apparatuses according to a request from an application.

506 507 207 506 507 207 207 The file management applicationprovides a file management servicefor managing a list of the data files stored in the storage medium. Also, the file management applicationcontrols reading out data files managed by the file management servicefrom the storage mediumand writing data files according to a request from another application to the storage medium.

508 509 207 508 506 206 The image management applicationprovides an image management servicefor managing a list of image data file (still image and moving image data files) stored in the storage medium. The image management applicationdiffers from the file management applicationin that it provides the function of displaying a list of thumbnail images of image data files on the display unit, the function of frame-by-frame viewing of moving images, and similar functions specialized for image data management.

508 509 207 207 Also, the image management applicationcontrols reading out image data files managed by the image management servicefrom the storage mediumand writing image data files according to a request from another application to the storage medium.

506 508 207 The data files managed by the file management applicationand the image data files managed by the image management applicationare managed in independent areas in the storage medium, and they cannot reference one another.

501 501 502 503 504 505 502 206 Next, the transfer applicationwill be described. The transfer applicationincludes, as functions to provide, a display control function, a communication service control function, a file management service control function, and an image management service control function. The display control functiongenerates a screen that is displayed on the display unit. The screen configuration will be described below.

503 501 100 511 510 503 100 100 511 503 207 300 511 The communication service control functionof the transfer applicationperforms communication with the image capture apparatususing the communication serviceprovided by the OS. Specifically, the communication service control functionobtains list information of the data files held by the image capture apparatus, each file information, data files, and the like from the image capture apparatususing the communication service. Also, the communication service control functionreads out data files stored in the storage mediumand transmits them to the information processing apparatususing the communication service.

504 501 204 207 507 506 The file management service control functionof the transfer applicationstores data files stored in the working memoryin the storage mediumusing the file management serviceprovided by the file management application.

505 501 204 207 509 508 The image management service control functionof the transfer applicationstores image data files stored in the working memoryin the storage mediumusing the image management serviceprovided by the image management application.

100 Use of a Plurality of Storage Mediums in Image Capture Apparatus

100 The image capture apparatusaccording to the present embodiment includes a function of generating and storing two types of data with different data amounts from one image capture (hereinafter, referred to as the proxy content storing function). The image data with different data amounts are pieces of data that are different in terms of one or more of resolution, bit rate, frame rate, color depth, and encoding method. In the case of moving image data, the data amount for the accompanying audio data may also be different.

Hereinafter, of the two types of data, the data with the largest data amount is referred to as the main content and the data with a smaller data amount than the main content is referred to as the proxy content. Compared to the main content, the proxy content requires shorter time for transmission, image processing, and the like. Thus, the main content is suitable for uses that required high image quality and high audio quality, and the proxy content is suitable for uses where processing time is a priority.

For example, in the case of moving image data (including audio with the same applying hereinafter) used in a news program, when immediacy is required such as in the case of transmitting images in real time from a site, the proxy content is more suitable than the main content. On the other hand, in a case where high image quality and high audio quality are required over immediacy, the main content is more suitable.

100 Also, if only proxy content is stored, if high quality data becomes necessary after the fact, nothing can be done. Thus, it is advantageous to always store proxy content together with main content. Because of this, the image capture apparatusincluding the proxy content storing function includes the function of separately storing main content and proxy content. Note that in addition to the main content and the proxy content, whether or not to store a metadata file can also be set.

In a case where both main content and proxy content are stored, first, the main content is generated, with the proxy content being able to be generated by reducing the data amount (reducing the bit rate) of the main content. Note that the present invention is not dependent on generation method for the main content and the proxy content, and any method can be used to generate the main content and the proxy content.

6 FIG.A 100 110 111 schematically illustrates files stored in each storage medium in the case of settings being set so that the image capture apparatuswith the proxy content storing function can use the storage mediumand the storage mediumand both main content and proxy content can be stored.

110 111 100 110 111 Here, the storage mediumand the storage mediumcan be detached from the image capture apparatus, and the slot where the storage mediumis installed is referred to as the main slot, and the slot where the storage mediumis installed is referred to as the sub slot.

101 103 The control unitdetermines the storage medium for storing data on the basis of the storage settings stored in the non-volatile memory. The storage settings include the data format or content type to be stored on the storage medium where each slot is installed, whether a metadata file needs to be stored, and the like. Possible settings include the main content being stored on the main slot and proxy content being stored on the sub slot, main content being stored on the main slot and slow motion images being stored on the sub slot, and the like. Basically, main content (including metadata) is stored on the main slot. Also, data different from the main content is stored simultaneously (in parallel with) the main content, with for example, sub content (including metadata) being stored on the sub slot.

100 100 110 111 6 FIG.B The storage settings vary depending on the type and model of the image capture apparatus.schematically illustrates files stored in each storage medium in a case where the image capture apparatuscan use the storage mediumand the storage mediummainly for still image capturing. The configuration takes into account the pressure of storage capacity for the main content, with the main still images being stored on the main slot and the main moving images being stored on the sub slot.

110 111 Note that in a case where only one of the storage mediumand the storage mediumare installed, the main content is stored on the installed storage medium. A storage medium that is installed but into which data cannot be written due to an abnormality or protection is treated as being not installed.

Screen Description

501 502 501 206 501 110 111 7 7 FIGS.A toD Next, the transfer applicationwill be described in detail.are diagrams illustrating examples of operation screens generated by the display control functionof the transfer applicationand displayed on the display unit. Note that here, the transfer applicationdisplays the main slot (storage medium) as “SD A” and the sub slot (storage medium) as “SD B”.

112 100 501 211 200 112 203 The communication unitof the image capture apparatusoperates in AP mode and forms a network. When the transfer applicationis started up, the communication unitof the communication apparatusconnects to the communication unitoperating as an access point. Note that the information (SSID and password) required to connect to the access point is set in advance and stored in the non-volatile memory.

7 FIG.A 701 501 200 100 701 702 100 703 207 200 illustrates an example of a function selection screendisplayed as an initial screen of the transfer application, with the communication apparatusand the image capture apparatushaving an established wireless connection. The function selection screenincludes a buttonfor selecting to display the data files existing in the image capture apparatusand a buttonfor selecting to display the data files existing in the storage mediumof the communication apparatus.

702 503 100 100 502 503 703 505 509 207 502 505 When the buttonis tapped, the communication service control functioncommunicates with the image capture apparatusand obtains the information of the data files existing in the image capture apparatus. The display control functiongenerates a file list display screen on the basis of the information obtained by the communication service control function. When the buttonis tapped, the image management service control functionuses the image management serviceto obtain the information of the image data files existing in the storage medium. The display control functiongenerates a screen displaying a list of the files on the basis of the information obtained by the image management service control function.

7 FIG.B 7 7 FIGS.A toD 704 702 705 701 706 707 110 111 100 111 111 illustrates an example of a file list display screendisplayed when the buttonis tapped. A return buttonis a button for returning to the function selection screen. Select media buttonsandare buttons for selecting a medium or slot for list display in a case where the two storage mediumsandare installed in the image capture apparatusand readable. In the example of, SD B (storage medium) is in a selected state and a list of image data files (including audio data files accompanying moving image data files) stored in the storage mediumis displayed.

100 200 707 110 8 FIG.A In the present embodiment, in a case where a list is displayed for each storage medium, a storage medium (or slot) to preferentially display is selected on the basis of the type and model information (type information and model information) of the image capture apparatusconnected to the communication apparatusaccording to the flowchart ofdescribed below. Here, SD B is in a selected state. When the select media buttonis selected in this state, a list of the image data files stored in SD A (the storage medium) is displayed. Note that the format (extension or the like) of the data files displayed in a list may be able to be changed via the settings.

708 710 711 713 714 708 708 203 713 714 713 714 In the displayed list, for each data file, a thumbnail image, a file name (including extension), a recording start date and time, and an iconorindicating the selection state are displayed. The thumbnail imageof a moving image data file may be stored in the file. The thumbnail imageof audio data may be stored in advance in the non-volatile memoryand used for an image indicating audio data. The iconis displayed for a data file in a selected state, and the iconis displayed for a data file in a non-selected state. For example, each time the inside of the region displaying the information of each data file is tapped, the state of the data file switches from the selected state to the non-selected state, with the display of the iconsandalso switching.

709 708 502 709 7 FIG.B Also, for a data file associated with proxy content, an iconis superimposed on the thumbnail image. Note that in the present embodiment, the display control functionrecognizes data files with “P” as the fourth character of the file name as data files associated with proxy content and adds the icon. However, for example, this may be recognized via another method such as writing information indicating whether it is main content or proxy content in the header of the data file and referencing this. In the example of, all data files are determined to be data files associated with proxy content.

712 712 Also, for a moving image data file with a metadata file that exists in the same storage medium, an iconindicating this is additionally displayed. Here, the iconis added to a moving image data file for which a file with the same file name excluding the extension and the extension being “XML” exists. Note that another method may be used to recognize whether or not the file is a metadata file.

715 201 704 100 200 715 201 704 100 201 207 204 300 300 A download buttonis a button for issuing an instruction to the control unitto download the selected data file in the list display screenfrom the image capture apparatusto the communication apparatus. When operation (a tap) of the download buttonis detected, the control unitobtains the selected data file in the list display screenfrom the image capture apparatus. The control unit, after temporarily storing the obtained data file on the storage mediumor the working memory, transfers it to the information processing apparatus. Note that the communication connection with the information processing apparatuscan be established at any time before transfer.

7 FIG.C 7 FIG.C 704 110 111 100 111 706 is a diagram illustrating another example of the list display screen. In this example, in a case where the two storage mediums, the storage mediumand the storage medium, are installed in the image capture apparatusand are readable, only the select media button of the storage medium that has its list displayed is displayed. In, since the storage mediumis the list display target, only the select media buttonis displayed.

706 716 717 706 110 The select media buttoncan be flicked in the left-and-right direction as illustrated by arrowsand. Also, when there is a flick operation on the select media buttonin the left or right direction, the list display target changes to the storage medium. Note that an icon or the like may be displayed to indicate whether the displayed select media button can be flicked.

7 7 FIGS.B andC 8 FIG.A 7 FIG.B 7 FIG.C 702 701 707 706 In, in a case where the buttonon the function selection screenis tapped, a list of the contents of SD B selected as the storage medium to be preferentially displayed according to the flowchart ofdescribed below is preferentially displayed. The storage medium that is the list display target is switched by a tap operation of the select media buttonin the example ofand by a flick operation of the select media buttonin the example ofto display a list of the main content stored in SD A.

7 FIG.D 8 FIG.A 7 FIG.D 704 110 111 100 718 720 111 721 722 110 111 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the list display screen. In this example, when files stored in the storage mediumand the storage mediumof the image capture apparatusare collectively displayed as a list, the files of the storage medium (slot) selected as the storage medium to preferentially display according to the flowchart ofdescribed below is preferentially displayed. In, filestoof the storage medium(sub slot) are preferentially displayed (displayed at the top), and filesandof the storage medium(main slot) are displayed underneath the files of the storage medium.

Typically, in a case where the file information of an apparatus including a plurality of storage mediums is displayed using a file transfer application, the main slot is identified on the basis of a volume label and the file information of the main slot is preferentially displayed. The file transfer application, for example, identifies, as the main slot, the slot that includes a volume label (name) corresponding to the top position when sorted alphabetically in descending order.

100 100 For example, in the case of the image capture apparatusaccording to the present embodiment, since the volume label of the main slot is SD A and the volume label of the sub slot is SD B, the file transfer application identifies SD A as the main slot. Note that, depending on regulations involving volume labels, the sorting targets may be restricted to a portion of the volume labels or a storage medium to prioritize may be determined by a different sorting method. For example, in the case of a volume label for the image capture apparatus, the top three characters (“SD”) are not sorting targets. Also, the main slot may be identified taking into account other conditions such as putting volume labels starting with “CF” higher than volume labels starting with “SD”.

100 200 In this manner, of the plurality of slots (storage media), with a configuration that always prioritizes the main slot when displaying file information, the user's needs are not always met. For example, in a case where the user prioritizes timeliness and uses the proxy content storing function, the proxy content information is desirably preferentially displayed. The image capture apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is set with the main content being stored on the main slot and the proxy content being stored on the sub slot. In such a case, for the communication apparatusto display the proxy content information, the user must switch the storage medium (slot) for list display to the sub slot. Also, in a case where the sub slot file information is not obtained, to response to a switch instruction and obtain the information, time is needed to display the list.

8 FIG.A 100 200 In the present embodiment, to solve the problem of such known technology, the storage medium (slot) for preferentially displaying file information is determined according to the flowchart of. Specifically, the storage medium to be preferentially displayed is determined on the basis of the type and model information of the image capture apparatusconnected to the communication apparatusand information relating to the proxy content storing function.

8 FIG.A 8 8 FIGS.A andB 7 FIG.A 501 200 100 702 501 701 is a flowchart relating to the operation of the transfer applicationin a state where a communication connection has been established between the communication apparatusand the image capture apparatus. The operations illustrated inare started by an operation (for example, a tap) of the buttonbeing detected, in a state where the transfer applicationhas been started up and the function selection screenillustrated inis displayed, for example.

801 201 200 100 211 100 100 200 100 100 In step S(hereinafter, “step” will be omitted), the control unitof the communication apparatustransmits a file information obtain request for requesting each piece of stored file information to the image capture apparatusvia the communication unit. Also, a type and model information obtain request for the image capture apparatusand a function information obtain request for the proxy content storing function are transmitted. Here, the proxy content storing function information is information including whether or not the image capture apparatusincludes a proxy content storing function and whether the proxy content function is set to enabled (is the function on or oft) in the case of this function being included. This information is obtained by being obtained on the basis of information prepared in advance in the application of the communication apparatus, obtained from the settings of the image capture apparatus, obtained from the user settings of the image capture apparatus, obtained by querying a predetermined server, or a similar method.

100 201 Note that in a case where the image capture apparatusincludes a plurality of storage mediums, the control unitrequests file information for each storage medium. The file information may include but is not limited to including a file name, a file format, a recording date and time, a recording time, a thumbnail image, and the like. Note that to simplify the description and understanding, in this example, the required file information is all obtained with one request. However, the file information for one file may be obtained via a plurality of requests and responses.

802 201 100 100 801 201 803 802 In S, the control unitdetermines whether the file information, the type and model information, and the proxy content storing function information transmitted from the image capture apparatusin response to the file information obtain request, the type and model information obtain request for the image capture apparatus, and the function information obtain request for the proxy content storing function received in Shave been received. In a case where the control unitdetermines that the file information, the type and model information, and the proxy content storing function information have been received, the processing proceeds to S. Also, in a case where it is not determined that the file information, the type and model information, and the proxy content storing function information have been received, the processing of Sis repeated.

803 201 100 211 204 In S, the control unitreceives the file information, the type and model information, and the proxy content storing function information transmitted by the image capture apparatusvia the communication unitand stores them in the working memory.

804 201 204 201 In S, the control unitdetermines from the file information stored in the working memorywhether a content file is stored in the plurality of storage mediums. The control unitcan identify still image files, moving image files, main content files, and proxy content files on the basis of the file name and extension as described above, for example.

201 806 806 201 807 In a case where it is determined that there is one storage medium storing a content file, the control unitproceeds the processing to S. In S, the control unitdetermines to make the storage medium storing the content file the list display target and proceeds the processing to S.

201 805 805 201 501 100 204 807 2 8 FIG.B 8 FIG.B On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that there are a plurality of storage mediums storing a content file, the control unitproceeds the processing to S. In S, the control unitreferences the table ofstoring the slots to be preferentially displayed prepared in advance in the transfer applicationon the basis of the type and model information and proxy content storing function information of the image capture apparatusstored in the working memory. Then, the storage medium to be the list display target is determined, and the processing proceeds to S. In the present embodiment, the storage medium to be the list display target is determined to be SD B of slotdisplayed in bold corresponding to type M, model MA, and proxy storing ON (at the top of).

807 201 704 805 806 In S, the control unitdisplays the list display screendisplaying a list of the information of the content files stored in the storage medium determined to be the display target in Sor S.

8 FIG.B 2 1 In the table illustrated in, the types are split into type M for mainly moving image capture and type S for mainly still image capture. Type M and the proxy content storing function turned on corresponds to a setting for preferentially displaying slotwhere proxy moving images are stored. Type S and a model that does not include a proxy content storing function or that includes a proxy content storing function but it is treated as a sub-function corresponds to a setting for preferentially displaying slotwhere still images and main moving images are stored.

6 FIG.A 7 7 FIG.B orC 201 704 Accordingly, in the case of an image capture apparatus of an type M required to transmit images in real time and the proxy content storing function being on, the storage medium (sub slot in the example of) where proxy content files are stored is the list display target. Thus, the control unitdisplays the list display screenas illustrated in.

8 FIG.B 8 FIG.B 7 FIG.D 201 201 201 Note that the following applies to a case where there is one storage medium where a content file is stored and a main content file and a proxy content file are stored in the same storage medium. In other words, if the proxy content storing function is on and the condition is to preferentially display the sub slot in, the control unitpreferentially displays a list of the proxy content files. Also, the following applies to a case where a main content file and a proxy content file are stored together in one storage medium. In other words, if the proxy content storing function is on and the condition is to preferentially display the sub slot in, the control unitpreferentially displays a list of the proxy content files. In these cases, as illustrated in, for example, the control unitcan display a list so that the proxy content files are displayed higher than the main content files.

9 FIG. 8 8 FIGS.A andB 100 200 is a flowchart relating to the operations of the image capture apparatuscorresponding to the operations of the communication apparatusdescribed using.

901 101 100 200 112 101 902 101 901 In S, the control unitdetermines whether a file information obtain request, a type and model information obtain request of the image capture apparatus, and a function information obtain request for the proxy content storing function transmitted from the communication apparatushave been received via the communication unit. In a case where they have been received, the control unitproceeds the processing to S. Otherwise, the control unitrepeats the processing of S.

902 101 104 In S, the control unitdetermines whether or not the storage medium requested for file information is normal (is readable) and stores the determination result in the working memory.

903 101 902 104 In S, the control unitstores the file information, the type and model information, and the proxy content storing function information stored in the storage medium determined to be readable in Sin the working memory.

904 101 104 200 211 902 101 In S, the control unittransmits the file information, the type and model information, and the proxy content storing function information stored in the working memoryto the communication apparatusvia the communication unit. Note that in a case where the storage medium is not determined to be normal in S, for the storage medium, the control unitresponds with an error instead of file information.

200 100 100 300 In this manner, according to the present embodiment, the communication apparatus, of the content files stored in the image capture apparatus, can prioritize proxy content for an image capture apparatus that mainly handles proxy content suitable for cases where immediacy is required in transfer and can display a list thereof. On the other hand, for an image capture apparatus that mainly handles still images or that does not include a proxy content storing function, a list of the main content can be preferentially displayed. At this time, the user does not need to be aware of whether the main content files and the proxy content files are stored by the image capture apparatusin one or a plurality of storage mediums and by what regulation. Thus, an operation to display the proxy content files is unnecessary, and the amount of time required to transfer to the information processing apparatuscan be further reduced.

100 501 201 211 8 FIG.B According to the embodiment described above, the following applies in a case where the type and model information of the image capture apparatusis not in the table () prepared in advance in the transfer application. In other words, regarding updating information in the table storing the slot to be preferentially displayed, the control unitupdates the table by querying a predetermined server via the communication unit.

8 FIG.B Also, in, the types are split into two types, type M and type S. However, no such limitation is intended. Also, the setting is divided by the proxy content storing function, but in another configuration, the setting may be divided by a function setting linked to another file storing function.

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-023038, filed Feb. 19, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.